Melissa Hayes

Position:
Midfielder
Height:
5-5
Class:
Freshman
Hometown:
Cave Creek, AZ

General - One of seven true freshmen on the Tar Heel squad who ranked among the Top 25 recruits in the nation last year by Soccer Buzz...a candidate to start at right midfield...even if she does not earn the starting job she will make significant contributions off the bench...coach Dorrance touts her leadership skills, citing her role as captain of U.S. U17 National Team...he says she has a splendid midfield personality, leadership qualities and tactical understanding of the game...also says she is a very skilled player.
National Team Experience - Has played for the Under-14 in 2002, Under-16 in 2003-04 and Under-17 in 2004-05 Youth National Teams...helped carry the U16 National Team to the 2003 Ballymena International Tournament Championship ...captained the U16 team in 2004...also named captain of the U17 National Team in 2005...led U17 team to the 2005 U.S. adidas Cup Championship.
Club Soccer -- Has played 10 years as the center midfielder and team captain for Sereno 88 White (1997-2006)...was named to the Parade All-America team in 2005...a NSCAA Youth All-America in 2004...her club team is a six-time Arizona state champion...played on teams which were Region IV finalists in 2002 and 2004 and Region IV champions in 2003...club team finished as the national runnerup in 2003...part of the Region IV ODP team from 2002-05...Surf Cup Champions in 2004 and 2005...champions of the 2005 WAGS Tournament...Sereno Soccer Club Female Player of the Year in 2005.
Prep - Graduated from Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek, Ariz. on May 22, 2006...did not play high school soccer, choosing to continue play with her club team through the high school season and concentrate on that aspect of her game... made the Principal's List for academics in every year from 2002-2005...listed in the Who's Who Among American High School Students from 2003-05...also a member of the Spanish Honor Society for two years.
Personal - Given name is Melissa Jean Hayes...is the daughter of Nancy Hayes and Kip Hayes...nicknamed Mel...was born on April 22, 1988 in Chico, Calif....has one sister...undeclared major...hobbies include watching movies and playing basketball...athlete she most admires is Lance Armstrong...biggest sports thrill was winning a regional championship ...Matt Power and Les Armstrong are the individuals who have had the greatest influence on her soccer career...favorite book is Seabiscuit...favorite food is the breadsticks at Olive Garden...favorite movie is Gladiator and favorite TV show is Friends...mother played basketball and field hockey at Butte College and Cal State-Chico...father played football and baseball at Butte College.